Helping young children to grow involves much more than teaching them letters and numbers – it’s also about nurturing their emotional wellbeing. Emotional intelligence (or EQ) plays a vital role in a child’s social development, resilience, and ability to form healthy relationships throughout their life. And it all starts in the early years.
Whether you’re already working in early childhood education or just starting to explore a career in the sector, understanding how to raise emotionally intelligent children is essential. The good news is, EQ is something educators can nurture every day through conversation, play, and thoughtful guidance.
In this article, we’ll explain what emotional intelligence is, why it matters so much in early childhood, and how early educators can help children adopt these life-changing skills.
Teaching Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood – Next Steps
What Is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, express, and manage emotions – both our own and those of others. While it may sound like a complex concept for young children, the foundations of emotional intelligence are laid in the early years of life and essential to their overall development.
Psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer first came up with the term in 1990. Yet it was fellow psychologist Daniel Goleman who later made it popular, defining the five key components of emotional intelligence as follows:
- Self-awareness – recognising one’s own emotions and their impact.
- Self-regulation – managing emotions in healthy, appropriate ways.
- Motivation – using emotions to achieve goals and stay focused
- Empathy – understanding and relating to the feelings of others.
- Social skills – building relationships, cooperating, and resolving conflict.
While developing these skills helps children to manage their feelings, it does so much more than that. Children with strong emotional intelligence often find it easier to make friends, handle challenges, and thrive in group environments like early learning settings or school. And just like reading or counting, emotional intelligence can be learned, with patient, consistent support from the adults around them.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Early Childhood
The early years of a child’s life are crucial for emotional and social development. It’s during this period that children begin to form an understanding of themselves and others, and learn how to express feelings, manage frustration, and respond to different social situations.
Developing emotional intelligence in children has many long-term benefits. Research has found that children with strong emotional skills are more likely to succeed in school, obtaining higher grades and encouraging positive career outcomes. Other studies show how EQ helps individuals build positive relationships, through having better communication skills, social skills, greater resilience, and adaptability to change. All up, having a stronger EQ means children are better equipped to handle stress, resolve conflicts peacefully, and show empathy toward others.
In short, helping children develop emotional intelligence when they are younger is an essential part of an early educator’s role, enabling them to thrive as they progress through life.
The Role of Early Childhood Educators in Fostering EQ
Early childhood educators play a powerful role in shaping a child’s emotional development. Through everyday interactions – like helping children name their feelings, guiding them through conflict, or showing empathy – educators lay the foundation for emotional intelligence to grow.
Much of this work happens naturally during play, group time, and conversations. For example, when an educator helps a child who’s feeling upset or left out, they’re not just bringing them around but modelling emotional awareness and showing how to respond with kindness and care. Over time, these small but meaningful moments teach children how to recognise their own emotions and respond to others with empathy.
Educators trained through programs like the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care gain a deep understanding of child development and learn practical strategies to support emotional and social wellbeing. Whether you’re already in the childhood education field or just starting out, these skills can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Practical Strategies to Foster Emotional Intelligence in Children
Fostering children’s Emotional Intelligence doesn’t require big, dramatic lessons. It happens through consistent, everyday interactions with the children in care. Here are some practical ways early childhood educators can support emotional development in their learning environments:
Model Emotional Awareness
Children learn a great deal by watching adults. Educators who openly name and manage their own feelings help children see that emotions are normal and manageable. For example, saying “I feel a little frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath” shows children how to self-regulate.
Create a Safe, Supportive Environment
A calm and predictable setting helps children feel secure enough to express themselves. Use emotion charts, storytelling, and everyday discussions to encourage children to talk about their feelings – and listen to them without judgement.
Teach Through Play
Play is one of the best ways to explore emotions. Role-playing, puppet shows, and story time can help children act out feelings and learn how to navigate them. Cooperative games also build social skills like patience, empathy, and turn-taking.
Support Social Problem Solving
When conflicts arise between children, educators can gently guide them to name their feelings, understand another person’s perspective, and work towards a solution. This teaches empathy and respectful communication.
Embed Emotional Learning in Daily Routines
Simple routines like greeting children each morning, checking in during group time, or reflecting on the day’s activities can all include moments of emotional connection. Asking, “What made you happy today?” or “Did anything make you feel sad?” encourages reflection and discussion.
By weaving these strategies into their everyday routine, educators help children develop emotional skills that can last a lifetime.
How the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Can Help
Supporting a child’s emotional development requires understanding, patience, and the right training. The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to give future educators the tools and strategies they need to nurture every part of a child’s wellbeing, including emotional and social growth.
Through this nationally recognised course, students learn about child development, behaviour guidance, communication techniques, and how to create supportive learning environments. It also offers hands-on experience in real early learning settings, so you can practice these skills with the guidance of experienced professionals. After completing the course, educators are equipped to:
- Create a safe and inclusive environment where children feel respected and valued
- Nurture postitive behaviour and teach self-regulation
- Encourage emotional expression – feelings of joy or sadness
Whether you’re just beginning your career or already working in the early childhood education sector, this qualification helps deepen your understanding of EQ so you can confidently support young children and make an impact as they develop these essential life skills.
Teaching Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood – Next Steps
Emotional intelligence is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop, and early childhood educators play a key role in making that happen. From guiding friendships to supporting big feelings, the daily interactions educators have with children can shape their confidence, empathy, and resilience for years to come.
If you’re passionate about helping children grow – not just academically, but emotionally – the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care could be the perfect place to start. It’s a rewarding path that empowers you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children every single day.
To find out more about this course, arrange a chat with a Career and Course Advisor at Insight Training, who can explain the course in detail and the enrollment process.
